LED Light Problem
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
LED Light Problem
I have a C6 convertible and just replaced the trunk lights with LED lights and tapped into the same wire to install an LED light strip. The lights worked fine initially but soon after installation, when I open the trunk, the strip will not light and the two LED bulbs light but they are very dim. However, if I close the trunk, open the car door, and then open the trunk, the strip lights up and the LED bulbs are bright as intended. Is there anything I can do to make them light correctly without having to open the door first? Thank you!
Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 575
Likes: 35
From: Sandy Springs GA
I also changed my trunk light to LEDs. I saw the same dim LEDS upon opening the trunk. If I had to guess this is what i think is going on.
First thing.
a) Nothing is wrong with the LEDS.
b) Nothing is wrong with your car.
This is ONLY my guess.
Your car has a built in circuit which saves the battery. After a preset time the car automatically shut down power to systems within the car which might accidentally drain the battery. Opening your car doors resets that circuit.
The current needed to power the LEDs is far less than whats needed to power the older bulbs you replaced. The car might be in that battery saver mode upon opening the trunk.
I noticed my trunk LEDs are dim ONLY after the car sits for about 25 mins and I open the trunk first. Once I open the doors the LEDs jump back bright. They stay bright for about 20 to 25 mins.
You are OK
First thing.
a) Nothing is wrong with the LEDS.
b) Nothing is wrong with your car.
This is ONLY my guess.
Your car has a built in circuit which saves the battery. After a preset time the car automatically shut down power to systems within the car which might accidentally drain the battery. Opening your car doors resets that circuit.
The current needed to power the LEDs is far less than whats needed to power the older bulbs you replaced. The car might be in that battery saver mode upon opening the trunk.
I noticed my trunk LEDs are dim ONLY after the car sits for about 25 mins and I open the trunk first. Once I open the doors the LEDs jump back bright. They stay bright for about 20 to 25 mins.
You are OK
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
To gp56 and Reggied,
The suggestion gp56 provided solves the issue! I also agree with Reggied that it makes sense that this is likely a circuit to save battery life.
I greatly appreciate the quick responses from both of you to help me solve this formerly frustrating issue!
packkrs
The suggestion gp56 provided solves the issue! I also agree with Reggied that it makes sense that this is likely a circuit to save battery life.
I greatly appreciate the quick responses from both of you to help me solve this formerly frustrating issue!
packkrs
Racer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 380
Likes: 78
From: Central Florida
Hey Reggied,
I am switching out the bulbs in the trunk of my convertible. Do you remember if this was an easy or pia install? I did the back up lights and the license plate lights last night.
Thanks,
Tony
I am switching out the bulbs in the trunk of my convertible. Do you remember if this was an easy or pia install? I did the back up lights and the license plate lights last night.
Thanks,
Tony
I also changed my trunk light to LEDs. I saw the same dim LEDS upon opening the trunk. If I had to guess this is what i think is going on.
First thing.
a) Nothing is wrong with the LEDS.
b) Nothing is wrong with your car.
This is ONLY my guess.
Your car has a built in circuit which saves the battery. After a preset time the car automatically shut down power to systems within the car which might accidentally drain the battery. Opening your car doors resets that circuit.
The current needed to power the LEDs is far less than whats needed to power the older bulbs you replaced. The car might be in that battery saver mode upon opening the trunk.
I noticed my trunk LEDs are dim ONLY after the car sits for about 25 mins and I open the trunk first. Once I open the doors the LEDs jump back bright. They stay bright for about 20 to 25 mins.
You are OK
First thing.
a) Nothing is wrong with the LEDS.
b) Nothing is wrong with your car.
This is ONLY my guess.
Your car has a built in circuit which saves the battery. After a preset time the car automatically shut down power to systems within the car which might accidentally drain the battery. Opening your car doors resets that circuit.
The current needed to power the LEDs is far less than whats needed to power the older bulbs you replaced. The car might be in that battery saver mode upon opening the trunk.
I noticed my trunk LEDs are dim ONLY after the car sits for about 25 mins and I open the trunk first. Once I open the doors the LEDs jump back bright. They stay bright for about 20 to 25 mins.
You are OK
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 16,842
Likes: 5,284
From: T-Town WA
2016 C6 of Year Finalist
You revived an old thread so the original OP might not respond. The trunk lights are easy to replace. The footwell lights are a little tuffer. The rearview mirror lights are easy...once you get the old bulbs out. I used needle nose pliers with double stick tape to grab the bulbs, others have used fishing line to lasso the bulbs. Frustrating, but doable.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 98
From: York PA
You revived an old thread so the original OP might not respond. The trunk lights are easy to replace. The footwell lights are a little tuffer. The rearview mirror lights are easy...once you get the old bulbs out. I used needle nose pliers with double stick tape to grab the bulbs, others have used fishing line to lasso the bulbs. Frustrating, but doable.
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 270
Likes: 13
From: New Braunfels Texas
I changed out my back license plate lights now when the lights are on I notice that the lights go off and on I pulled them out and saw that it is only 1 or 2 led lights on the bulb doing it. I saw the same thing on a truck last night. The lights will not stay on they flicker and bling and then all the way on again and then flicker some more. anyone have a fix for that issue.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 575
Likes: 35
From: Sandy Springs GA
I changed out my back license plate lights now when the lights are on I notice that the lights go off and on I pulled them out and saw that it is only 1 or 2 led lights on the bulb doing it. I saw the same thing on a truck last night. The lights will not stay on they flicker and bling and then all the way on again and then flicker some more. anyone have a fix for that issue.